BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Hundreds marched through downtown Boise and rallied at teh state Capitol on Saturday for the March for Life, defending Idaho’s strict abortion ban.
right too Life Idaho, a pro-life advocacy group, hosted the march. This year’s theme was “support her, protect them.”
Speakers emphasized their priority: keeping Idaho’s abortion ban in place,especially with a potential reproductive rights initiative on the ballot this year.
“Our goal this year is to defend Idaho’s pro-life laws, to defend the Defense of Life Act, to defend unborn babies and their mothers, as in Idaho, we love them both,” said Megan Wold, an anti-abortion lobbyist and speaker.
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When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it triggered Idaho’s Defense of Life Act, one of the nation’s strictest bans. It includes an exception to prevent the death of the pregnant woman.
A citizen initiative could put the issue back on the ballot, perhaps allowing exceptions for rape or incest. Organizers say they’re prepared to fight that effort.
“We’re not going to stand by and let a radical, out-of-state institution come in and try to change Idaho’s laws,” said Russ walker, president of Right to Life Idaho. “We’re going to fight them every step of the way.”
The rally also featured personal stories from women who oppose abortion and advocate for resources for pregnant women and new mothers.
“We need to create a culture where women feel supported and empowered to choose life,” said one speaker,who declined to give her name. “That means providing them with the resources they need to succeed,both financially and emotionally.”
Counter-protests were smaller in number, with demonstrators gathering nearby to advocate for reproductive rights. They argued that the state’s ban is harmful to women and restricts access to essential healthcare.
